By Dale Marshall Updated March 01, 2022
The battalion executive officer (XO) rank serves as the second in command of a U.S. Army infantry battalion, a combat force typically consisting of from 300 to 1,000 soldiers organized into several Army divisions: rifle companies, weapons company and a headquarters company, as well as the battalion command structure.
In addition to exercising command in the absence of the battalion commander, the XO is chief of the battalion’s staff and coordinates logistics for the unit. A battalion XO rank is generally one rank below the commander, who is usually a colonel or a lieutenant colonel, although it sometimes occurs that both officers hold the same rank.
Ready to Lead When Needed
The XO’s most important job is to be ready to step in at a moment’s notice and lead the battalion command structure, as explained by UNT Army ROTC. When such a transfer of command takes place in combat situations, there is no time for multiple briefings or on-the-job training. This is an underlying reason for the XO’s involvement in every aspect of the battalion’s operation.
Not only is the XO the commander’s chief adviser on all matters affecting the unit, he is also responsible for ensuring that the commander is in possession of all the information available necessary to making decisions and issuing orders. The XO also performs any other duties the commander may assign, such as overseeing training or intelligence operations.
Chief of Staff Duties
The XO serves as chief of staff, according to UNC Charlotte Army ROTC. In this role, the XP directly or indirectly supervises three of the four components of the battalion staff: the command section and the coordinating and special staffs. Together with the commander and the command sergeant major, the XO is a member of the command section, which also includes a detachment of troops who drive the vehicles assigned to the command section and perform other routine duties.
The XO directly supervises the activities of personnel assigned to the command section. The XO also supervises, integrates and coordinates the activities and assignments of the coordinating and special staffs. The coordinating staff consists of officers and enlisted personnel specially trained in particular jobs, such as personnel management, logistics, communication, operations, intelligence and liaison.
In addition, the XO coordinates the special staffs consisting of personnel who provide functional or technical expertise in specific areas as needed. Examples of special staff within these Army divisions are a battalion surgeon, fire support officer, chemical officer and forward support company commander.
Logistical Operations
In addition to his jobs as assistant commander and chief of staff, the XO is the battalion’s logistics coordinator. Once an infantry battalion is deployed, it is limited by its lack of rapid mobility and can engage in independent operations only for short periods of time.
Battalion sustainment – continuous supply of food and supplies, as well as replacement equipment and personnel – is essential. A component of the coordinating staff – the logistics or S-4 section–is responsible for the details of addressing these logistics issues and planning appropriately under the XO’s supervision.
Conveying Information
One of the XO’s main responsibilities is the synchronization of the battalion’s information management. In a military environment, this is the timely delivery of relevant information to the appropriate personnel in a form that contributes to a more accurate understanding of a particular situation and enhances decision making. The modern U.S. Army makes extensive use of electronic information systems, together with policies and procedures governing their use, to facilitate information management.
FAQs
The battalion executive officer (XO) rank serves as the second in command of a U.S. Army infantry battalion, a combat force typically consisting of from 300 to 1,000 soldiers organized into several Army divisions: rifle companies, weapons company and a headquarters company, as well as the battalion command structure.
What is an battalion executive officer? ›
The battalion executive officer (XO) rank serves as the second in command of a U.S. Army infantry battalion, a combat force typically consisting of from 300 to 1,000 soldiers organized into several Army divisions: rifle companies, weapons company and a headquarters company, as well as the battalion command structure.
What are the duties of an executive officer in the military? ›
Per OPNAVINST 3120.32D (SORM), “the executive officer is the direct representative of the commanding officer and shall be primarily responsible to the commanding officer for the organization, performance of duty, training, maintenance, and good order and discipline of the entire command.” Being part of the TRIAD (CO, ...
What is the role of the executive officer? ›
An Executive Officer ensures that all outcomes are delivered in a timely manner, to a high quality and they ensure that commitments to the Offices Customer Charter are adhered to. Legal Aid Board: Flexi time is in operation subject to the overall exigencies of the office and the effective operation of the service.
What does the battalion executive officer do in Jrotc? ›
The cadet battalion executive officer (XO) supervises, directs, and coordinates the cadet battalion staff to prevent overlapping efforts and to ensure that the commander's desires are understood and achieved.
What rank is a battalion executive officer? ›
MAJOR – typically serves in roles including battalion executive officer, weapons company commanders, or regimental or brigade staff members. LIEUTENANT COLONEL – a key decision-maker; may serve as a battalion commander. COLONEL – serves as a regimental commander, brigade executive officer, or division staff member.
How much does an Army battalion executive officer make? ›
Total Salary Range for US Army Battalion Executive Officer
The estimated total pay range for a Battalion Executive Officer at US Army is $94K–$136K per year, which includes base salary and additional pay. The average Battalion Executive Officer base salary at US Army is $113K per year.
Who qualifies as an executive officer? ›
The term executive officer, when used with reference to a registrant, means its president, any vice president of the registrant in charge of a principal business unit, division or function (such as sales, administration or finance), any other officer who performs a policy making function or any other person who ...
Is an XO higher than a captain? ›
For the most part, executive officers, or XOs, are actually captains-in-waiting. They have been selected for command, and when an incumbent commanding officer (CO) departs, an XO ascends.
Does the executive branch have the power to command the military? ›
The power of the Executive Branch is vested in the President of the United States, who also acts as head of state and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.
For example, if you work for a public company, company directors are above the CEO. If you work for a private company, it could be owners or board members who rank above the CEO. In most organizations, the positions above the CEO include Chairman of the Board, President and Vice President.
What is the difference between executive and executive officer? ›
In business, all corporate officers are considered to be executives. In a large corporation, not all executives may be considered to be corporate officers. ObviousObviously the Chief Executive Officer is an officer, and in fact, as the title states, chief amongst them.
Who is the highest ranking executive officer? ›
In the organisational hierarchy, the CEO acts as the highest-ranking executive officer, with most employees and other C-level executives reporting directly to them.
Who is the highest officer in the battalion? ›
LIEUTENANT COLONEL (LTC)
The lieutenant colonel typically commands battalion-sized units (300 to 1,000 Soldiers) with a command sergeant major as an NCO assistant. He or she may also be selected for brigade and task force executive officer.
What rank has two diamonds? ›
The insignia changes at major—the first of the field-grade officers. Cadet majors wear a single diamond (sometimes called a lozenge), Cadet lieutenant colonels wear two diamonds, and Cadet colonels wear three diamonds.
What are the primary responsibilities of the Battalion S 3? ›
Description: The battalion S-3 assists the battalion commander in the preparation, conduct, and supervision of all training activities of the cadet battalion. Additionally, the S-3 keeps the commander advised on the progress of training within the battalion.
Is executive officer a high rank? ›
United States Army
There are executive officer slots in each company, battalion, regiment, and brigade, though generally not at higher levels of command until the army level. The XO is typically the second-in-command, and serves as the day-to-day manager of the command staff.
What is the highest rank in a battalion? ›
LIEUTENANT COLONEL (LTC)
The lieutenant colonel typically commands battalion-sized units (300 to 1,000 Soldiers) with a command sergeant major as an NCO assistant. He or she may also be selected for brigade and task force executive officer.
What are the ranks in a battalion? ›
A U.S. Army battalion includes the battalion commander (lieutenant colonel), executive officer (major), command sergeant major (CSM), headquarters staff and usually three to five companies, with a total of 300 to 1,000 (but typically 500 to 600) soldiers.
What rank is battalion XO? ›
The rank of an XO depends on the echelon of the unit. A company XO is likely a First Lieutenant. A battalion XO is likely a Major. A regiment or brigade XO is likely a Lieutenant Colonel.
